CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP: Twenty members attended the October meeting. Members were saddened to learn of the death of Mr John Herod, a stalwart member of the group.

Before introducing the speaker, the acting chairman, Mrs Anne Innes, asked for views on the immediate future of the group and it was decided that the bring-and-buy morning should take place as planned on November 9 at Evesham Library at 10.30am. Members are asked to bring along their (pre-priced) items for sale.

The Christmas lunch will take place in January at the Round of Gras and the menu is available. Mrs June Green asked for the names of members wishing to attend and for their choice from the menu. The speaker, Mr Philip Sharpe, gave a talk on the work of the NSPCC throughout its long history up to the present day.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: The next meeting of the Vale of Evesham Horticultural Society will take place on Tuesday, October 26, in Wallace House, Oat Street, at 7.30pm. There will be a talk on Fuchsias by Mr J Tolkein. Entrance is £1.